THE BLUE BATTLEGROUND

Kerry takes a stronger pro-Israel line (Bryan Bender, July 2, 2004, Boston Globe)

With the paper, titled ''Strengthening Israel's Security and Bolstering the US-Israel Special Relationship," Kerry is attempting to reintroduce himself to Jewish voters. ''John Kerry has been at the forefront of the fight for Israel's security during his 19 years in the US Senate," it says. ''His pro-Israel voting record is second to none."

Republicans suggested some political desperation was behind the document.

''There is a key battle for the Jewish vote underway," said Matt Brooks, executive director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, based in Washington. ''Democrats are particularly scared. This underscores the efforts they have to make to hold on to what was a sure part of their base. The reason for their efforts is this president is going to do substantially better than he did in 2000. That has them worried."

Traditionally, the overwhelming majority of Jewish voters have backed the Democratic nominee for the White House; in 2000, 19 percent went for President Bush. The Bush-Cheney campaign is hoping to capitalize on the president's strong support for the Israeli government, the military removal of Saddam Hussein, and the pursuit of the war on terrorism to increase that support to 30 percent or more in November. In a closely contested election, those voters could prove critical in swing states such as Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

Who's in trouble with their base?

Posted by Orrin Judd at July 3, 2004 12:27 PM